Holster for assault rifle

ABSTRACT

A holster is disclosed specially adapted for a long weapon, the long weapon having a pistol grip and a magwell. The holster comprises two separate brackets, an upper bracket and a lower bracket, where both the upper and lower holster brackets are adapted to be supported by a tactical vest with moly webbing. The upper holster bracket is U-shaped and snaps over the pistol grip of the long weapon. A detent is located on the inner surfaces of the U-shaped bracket which engages a channel located on the faces of the pistol grip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to pendingU.S. application Ser. No. 16/602,961, filed Jan. 6, 2020, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a holster adapted to safely hold along type weapon, such as an assault type weapon, upon the forward torsoof a user. The holster securely affixes the weapon to the body of theuser in a position where it can be accessed rapidly while at the sametime being immobilized. The holster affords the user the ability tostore the weapon in a position where it is rapidly deployable whilemaintaining both hands free.

BACKGROUND

Long weapons such as rifles, shotguns, or assault weapons are commonlycarried by both law enforcement in the performance of their civilianduty and by the military in armed combat situations. Although thespecification refers to assault type weapons, this is by way of example.The invention is equally applicable to any long type weapon such as arifle, shotgun, or assault type weapon.

Because of the length and size of long type weapons, as exemplified bythe Colt M-16 or M-16 clones, an un-holstered weapon requires thededication of at least one hand at all times to maintain control of theweapon. This encumbers a soldier or law enforcement officer byrestricting their movements to one hand in emergency situations.Frequently two hands are required under emergency or combat scenarios,which cannot be accomplished when one hand is dedicated to maintainingcontrol of the long weapon. There exists a need for a holster tosecurely and safely hold the long weapon on the person of the soldier orlaw enforcement officer, while enabling rapid deployment of the weapon.Similarly when any long weapon is carried in civilian use the inventionfrees both of the users hands when the weapon is secured in the holster.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant invention provides a two-piece attachment comprising anupper bracket and a lower bracket for attachment to conventionaltactical vests of the type worn by military personnel or law enforcementofficers. The upper bracket of the holster readily slides over one ofthe belts that are commonly provided with tactical vests. These beltsare referred to as moly-webbing or molystrapping and are universallyone-inch in width. Although the standard moly-webbing width is one-inchit is expressly understood that the invention is adaptable to webbing ofany material or width. This upper bracket of the holster is specificallyadapted to removably attach to the pistol grip of the weapon. The lowerbracket of the holster slides over another, preferably lowermoly-webbing of the tactical vest and removably attaches to the lowerfront and side faces of the weapon's magwell. Both the upper bracket andthe lower bracket can be oriented at various positions on themoly-webbing to accommodate the user's personal preference and comfort.When secured to the user's body in this way the weapon is securelyaffixed to the user's body and crosses his torso with the muzzlepointing downward in a safe fashion. When the weapon is being retrievedfrom the holster, the pistol grip is close to the normal operatingposition assumed when the weapon is being fired. The user is able toquickly remove the weapon from the holster and be in a ready to fireposition nearly simultaneously.

Because the weapon is securely attached to the holster, the lawenforcement officer or soldier has two hands free, providing asubstantial tactical advantage to the user. The holster can be employedwhen the user is in a seated, or standing position. In use it has beenfound that the weapon remains secure even when the user encounters anaccidental or deliberate fall, rolls, or drops to a safe positionwhenever necessary depending on conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure,there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presentlypreferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 shows the holster according to the invention, attached to atactical vest worn by an armed user, with an assault rifle secured tothe tactical vest.

FIG. 2 shows the holster according to the invention attached to atactical vest with no assault rifle holstered to the tactical vest.

FIG. 2A is an enlargement of the structure defined by the broken line ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows the upper bracket of the holster with the pistol grip of anassault rifle aligned and ready to secure the assault rifle within theupper bracket.

FIG. 4 shows the upper bracket of the holster of FIG. 3 with the pistolgrip of an assault rifle secured by the upper bracket.

FIG. 5 shows the side view of the lower bracket of the instant holsterseparate from the tactical vest.

FIG. 6 shows the upper bracket of the instant holster in perspective andseparate from the tactical vest.

FIG. 7 shows the lower bracket of the instant holster in perspective andseparate from the tactical vest.

FIG. 8 shows an improved embodiment of the upper holster bracketincluding detents adapted to engage indentations in the pistol grip ofthe assault weapon.

FIG. 8A shows the pistol grip of the assault weapon of FIG. 8 inperspective including slots to engage the detents on the upper holsterbracket.

FIG. 9 shows a post adapted to register with and engage a hole throughthe pistol grip of an assault weapon.

FIG. 9A shows an enlarged section of the post and hole engagement ofFIG. 9, as it is found on the pistol grip of an assault weapon.

FIG. 10 shows the post and hole combination of FIG. 9 that secures thepistol grip to the holster as seen from the real of the pistol grip.

FIG. 11 shows the pistol grip of FIG. 10 as seen from the side of thepistol grip that faces away from the holster.

FIG. 12A shows the cross section of a snap element that is adapted toengage the post that secures the pistol grip to the holster, prior toengagement of the post. The snap is embedded in the pistol grip.

FIG. 12B shows the snap element of FIG. 12A after engagement of the postwith the snap element.

FIGS. 13 and 13A show another embodiment of the upper holster bracket.The pistol grip of FIG. 13 includes elongated channel that extendslongitudinally along at least one sidewall of the pistol grip.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the upper holster bracket where the “U”shaped portion of the upper holster bracket opens outwardly from theuser.

FIG. 14A shows channels on at least one of the upper or lower surfacesof the grip of the weapon adapted to engage a “U” shaped bracket.

FIG. 14B shows channels on at least one of the inner or outer surfacesof the grip of the weapon adapted to engage a “U” shaped bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and“top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer todirections toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center ofthe device, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an”and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read asmeaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

According to the instant invention a holster is disclosed that isspecially adapted to securely affix a long weapon to the front torso ofa user. The holster is designed to attach to a conventional tacticalvest with belts, normally moly-webbing or molystrapping. The holstercomprises two pieces, an upper holster bracket and a lower holsterbracket. The upper holster bracket is attached to moly webbing on thetactical vest and is specifically shaped to snap over the pistol grip ofa weapon, such as a Colt M-16 or an M-16 clone. Although Colt M-16 typeweapons are describe herein, it is expressly understood that theinvention is not limited to any particular weapon. The lower holsterbracket also attaches to moly webbing located on a conventional tacticalvest, preferably a lower moly webbing of the vest. The lower holsterbracket snaps over the magwell of the weapon.

FIG. 1 shows the combination of a tactical vest with the upper and lowerholster brackets attached to the vest. FIG. 1 additionally shows anassault weapon holstered by the holster of the invention and being wornby a user in a combat ready position. Upper holster bracket (1) securesthe pistol grip of the assault weapon and lower holster bracket (9)secures the magwell of the assault weapon. As can readily be seen, themuzzle safely points downward towards the ground.

FIG. 2 shows the holster as it appears attached to a tactical vest withno firearm attached. Upper holster bracket (1) is secured to moly web ona tactical vest. Lower holster bracket (9) is secured to moly web thatis located at a position below upper holster bracket (1). It can be seenthat gravity assists in keeping the weapon in place when the user is ina standing, combat ready position, because of the orientation of theupper holster bracket (1) relative to the lower bracket (9) of theholster.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a single blank piece of thermoplastic withtwo terminal ends is used to form the upper bracket (1) of the holster.Wings (2) and (3) are thermoformed from the two terminal ends of thethermoplastic blank in a partial retrograde fashion to fold away fromand oppose each other in the manner shown. Upper holster bracket (1) isformed from a somewhat flexible, but renitent thermoplastic. Wings (2)and (3) are manually spread apart in order to accept and surround thepistol grip of an assault weapon. Kydex®, an acrylic-polyvinyl chlorideis a preferred material. By spreading wings (2) and (3) apart, upperholster bracket (1) opens up wide enough to receive the pistol grip ofthe assault weapon inside of the somewhat elliptical space (4) definedby the upper bracket (1) of the holster. FIG. 4 shows upper holsterbracket (1) with the pistol grip of an assault weapon in place. Afterreceiving the pistol grip of the assault weapon in space (4), wings (2)and (3) rebound to their initial shape providing a secure interferencefit with the pistol grip of the assault weapon. Of course the forcenecessary to spread wings (2) and (3) apart must be small enough toallow a user to easily spread the wings (2) and (3) apart using fingerpressure while maintaining sufficient compressive force on the weapon'spistol grip to securely affix the weapon to the torso of the user. Anupper rigid moly web fastener (5) is connected to upper holster bracket(1) with a screw, rivet, or other suitable fastener (8). The fastenerextends through hole (6) located through the upper holster bracket (1)and through hole (7) located on moly web fastener (5). Holes (6) and (7)register to enable attachment with the fastener (8). Any fastener thatallows rotation of upper holster bracket (1) about upper moly webfastener (5) while securely affixing upper holster bracket (1) to uppermoly web fastener (5) is suitable to the practice of the invention.

The rigid moly web fastener (5) is formed from a one-piece thermoplasticblank with two terminal ends, distal and proximal. The distal end isthermoformed to attach to a moly web on the tactical vest, preferably anupper moly web. Rigid upper moly web fastener (5) is folded at thedistal end 180 degrees in retrograde forming a slot adapted to slideover the top of a moly web located on the tactical vest. It is importantthat the distal end of attachment member (5) be folded enough to providea tight interference fit with the moly web on the tactical vest tosecurely affix upper bracket (1) of the holster to the moly web. Upperholster bracket (1) is rotatably attached to the proximal end of rigidmoly web fastener (5) with fastener (8) enabling upper holster bracket(1) to rotate freely about rigid moly web fastener (5). The rotatablefeature of the upper bracket (1) about the moly web fastener (5) aids inkeeping the assault weapon in place. When the user is in motion, gravityassists in keeping the assault weapon properly orientated.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show as elastic cord used to additionally secure anassault weapon to upper holster bracket (1). FIG. 3 shows elastic cord(18) before an assault weapon is holstered. Elastic cord (18) forms aclosed loop and is affixed to one wing of upper holster bracket (1). Adetent (19) is located on the opposite wing of upper holster bracket(1). Elastic cord (18) is secured to the wing facing detent (19) suchthat elastic cord (18) can be stretched and hooked to detent (19),securely affixing the assault weapon into the holster, as shown in FIG.4. Elastic cord (18) secures the assault weapon until the user releaseselastic cord (18). Tab (20) comprises a ribbon or equivalent woven ornonwoven sheet to facilitate finger contact with the elastic cord evenwhen the user is wearing gloves. It is understood that detent (19) couldbe provided on either side or both sides of upper holster bracket (1)thereby enabling easy ambidextrous operation.

FIG. 5 shows the lower holster bracket (9) that is adapted to engage themagwell of an assault weapon. Similar to upper holster bracket (1) lowerholster bracket (9) is adapted to slide over moly web located on atactical vest. Lower holster bracket (9) is located below upper holsterbracket (1) to maintain the muzzle of the assault weapon pointingdownwards toward the ground when a user is in a standing position. Thisensures that an accidental discharge of the assault weapon is morelikely to harmlessly strike the ground. Lower holster bracket (9)includes a lower moly web fastener (14) rotatably screwed to the lowerholster bracket (9). Lower holster attachment member (14) is preferablymade from a suitable thermoplastic blank. The thermoplastic blank isfolded 180 degrees in complete retrograde at the distal end as seen at(10) to form an open loop that slides over the top of the moly web of atactical vest. It is important that fold (10) be dimensioned such thatfold (10) provides an adequate interference fit with the tactical vestmoly web to maintain the long weapon securely against the user's torso.At the proximal end of lower moly web fastener (14) another 180 degreefold in complete retrograde may optionally be included to provide asecure attachment to the lower portion of the tactical vest moly web.Lower holster bracket (9) is roughly “U” shaped to accept the magwell ofan assault rifle. Lower holster bracket (9) is formed preferably from aone-piece thermoplastic blank, having a distal end that attaches to themoly web fastener (14) and a proximal end facing outward from thetactical vest. The blank is sequentially folded to form a bend (11) atthe distal end of blank (9). Bend (11) is approximately 90 degreesrelative to the unfolded portion of the blank where holster bracket (9)is adapted to attach to moly webbing fastener (14), thereby abuttingmoly web fastener (14) at approximately a perpendicular. The blank isthen folded again approximately 90 degrees relative to the bend at (11)to form bend (12), thereby forming a length of lower holster bracket (9)that is approximately parallel to upper moly web fastener (14). Bends(11) and (12) together form a somewhat “U” shaped slot adapted toreceive the mag well of an assault rifle. Lower holster bracket (9) isfinally folded approximately 120 degrees relative to bend (12) to formbend (13). Bend (13) widens the slot within which the magwell of theassault weapon rests.

In use the magwell of an assault weapon rests within and is supported bythe “U” shaped channel of lower holster bracket (9) while upper holsterbracket (1) securely attaches to the pistol grip of the assault weaponthereby providing two points of contact between the assault weapon andthe tactical vest.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of FIG. 3 in perspective. Screw (8) can beseen rotatably affixing upper holster bracket (1) to upper moly webbingfastener (5). Because of the rotatable attachment of upper holsterbracket (1) to upper moly web fastener (5), the assault weapon hassomewhat more freedom to adapt to the different orientations of a userwhen engaged in combat or unexpected conditions.

Referring to FIG. 7 the lower holster bracket (9) is canted relative tolower moly web fastener (14). Canting lower holster bracket (9) assistsin maintaining the magwell of the assault weapon securely pointingtowards the ground within lower holster bracket (9) when the weapon isstored in the holster. Canting also provides a more secure grip on themagwell of the assault weapon. A canting angle of 10 to 30 degrees isadequate. Canting can be accomplished by securing the lower holsterbracket (9) to the lower moly web fastener (14) such that the lowerholster bracket (9) can rotate about lower moly web fastener (14), in amanner similar to the attachment of upper holster bracket (1) to uppermoly web fastener (5). Alternatively, lower holster bracket (9) andlower moly web fastener (14) can be made from one-piece of thermoplasticand the lower holster bracket (9) permanently canted.

FIG. 8 shows a particularly secure U-shaped bracket and pistol gripcombination. In this embodiment the upper holster bracket includes atleast one transverse elevated ridge (21) located on the inside surfaceof the U-shaped bracket. The elevated ridge (21) forms an elongateddetent adapted to releasably register with and engage a longitudinalcorresponding channel (22) on the pistol grip of the assault weapon. Twoelevated ridges and two longitudinal channels are preferred foradditional security in attaching the pistol grip. The two ridges (21)are positioned on oppositely facing inside surfaces of the U-shapedbracket and the two longitudinal channels (22) are located on the frontand rear of the pistol grip, where the front of the pistol grip facesthe bore of the weapon and the rear of the pistol grip faces the breachof the weapon.

The pistol grip of FIG. 8 includes longitudinal channel (22) thatextends longitudinally along at least one forward or rearward facingoutside surface of the pistol grip wherein the pistol grip, best seen inFIG. 8A is adapted to engage the U-shaped holster bracket. The U-shapedholster bracket ridges (21) form a detent that registers in a springlike fashion and engages the longitudinal channels (22) on the pistolgrip of the long weapon, thereby securely attaching the pistol grip ofthe long weapon into the U-shaped bracket.

FIGS. 9 and 9A show yet another embodiment of the holster for a weaponhaving a pistol grip. The holster includes a post (23) adapted toprotrude through a hole (24) located on the side of the pistol grip, asseen in FIGS. 9 and 9A. The post (23) aligns with snap element (25)located within the pistol grip of a weapon wherein the post (23) isadapted to engage the weapon securely to the holster, as seen in FIGS. 9and 9A. The post (23) comprises two ends wherein the proximal end of thepost (23) is attached to the holster, as seen in FIG. 9. The post (23)extends outwardly from the holster. The distal end of the post (23) islocated at the terminus of the post (23) extending outwardly from theholster and includes a spherical knob member (26) of larger diameterthan the post (23); the knob member (26) is adapted to engage the snapelement (25) (best seen in FIG. 12) of the pistol grip of the weapon.

The pistol grip includes a conical hole (24) therethrough wherein thehole is adapted to be in register with the post (23) attached to aholster, as seen in FIG. 9. The hole (24) extending through the pistolgrip includes a conically shaped recess in the side of the pistol gripfacing the holster to aid in registering the pistol grip with the post(23) as seen in FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show details of the snap element (25) that engagespost (23). Snap element (25) is fastened into the side wall (27) of thepistol grip. FIG. 12A shows the post and snap element combination duringa disengagement cycle of the post (23) into the snap element (25).Button (28) has been depressed in the direction of the arrow by fingerpressure. Spring (29) is compressed forcing collar (30) to push balls(31) into receiving slots (32), thereby allowing hemispherical bulb (33)to extend beyond balls (31). In the preferred embodiment three balls(31) are utilized although one, two, three, or more balls may be used.

FIG. 12B shows details of the snap element (25) and post (23) when thepost element (23) is engaged by snap element (25). Button (28) is biasedoutwardly from the side (27) of the pistol grip by spring (28). Collar(30) has been forced outwardly allowing balls (31) to recede from slots(32) and securely grip hemispherical bulb (33).

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment of the holster for a longweapon. In this species a conical hole (34) is provided in the side ofthe pistol grip that faces the holster. Post (35) includes ahemispherical bulb (36) on the distal end of the post facing away fromthe holster. The hemispherical bulb (36) is of larger diameter than post(35) and is adapted to engage a corresponding hole (37) embedded in thebottom of conical hole (36) with an interference fit, thereby securelyengaging the pistol grip to the holster. FIG. 11 shows the face of thepistol grip that is located outwardly from the holster. As can be seen,this face is free of any fastening means.

FIGS. 13 and 13A show another embodiment of the upper holster bracket.The pistol grip of FIG. 13 includes elongated channel (38) that extendslongitudinally along at least one sidewall of the pistol grip (38).Channel (38) could be provided on both sidewalls of pistol grip (39),that is both the sidewall facing the user and the sidewall facing awayfrom the user. The channels (38) are adapted to engage the U-shapedupper holster bracket. The U-shaped holster bracket includes elongatedridges forming detents (40) on the inside surface of the “U” portion ofthe upper bracket, best seen in FIG. 13 that register in a spring likefashion and engage the longitudinal channels (38) on the pistol grip ofthe weapon, thereby securely attaching the pistol grip (39) of theassault into the U-shaped bracket.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the upper holster bracket where the “U”shaped portion of the upper holster bracket opens outwardly from theuser. In this orientation the weapon is pulled directly away from theuser in order to release the weapon from the holster. When the “U”shaped bracket is oriented to open away from the user in this fashion,detents (40) are provided on the inside surface of the “U” shapedbracket adapted to engage channels on at least one of the upper or lowersurfaces of the grip of the weapon, as seen in FIG. 14A. Alternativelythe “U” shaped bracket could be oriented to open in a vertically upwarddirection, as in FIG. 13. When the “U” shaped bracket is oriented toopen vertically upward from the user in this fashion, as in FIG. 13,detents (40) are provided on the inside surface of the “U” shapedbracket adapted to engage channels (42) on at least one of the inner orouter surfaces of the grip of the weapon, as seen in FIG. 14B.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” arenot limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “atleast one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivativesthereof and words of similar import. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

That which is claimed:
 1. A pistol grip for a long weapon wherein anelongated channel extends longitudinally along one face of the pistolgrip wherein the pistol grip of the long weapon is adapted to engage a“U”-shaped holster bracket, the “U”-shaped holster bracket including anelongated detent is adapted to register with and engage the longitudinalchannel on the pistol grip of the long weapon, thereby securelyattaching the pistol grip of the long weapon into the “U”-shapedbracket.
 2. A holster for a long weapon, the holster including an upper“U”-shaped bracket having an inner surface and an outer surface, the “U”shaped bracket adapted to engage a pistol grip of the long weapon, thepistol grip having an outer surface, and a lower bracket adapted toengage forward of the pistol grip of the long weapon, wherein the upper“U”-shaped bracket includes detents on the inner surface of the “U”shaped bracket that are adapted to securely engage channels on the outersurface of the pistol grip, the channels on the outer surface of thepistol grip adapted to register with the detents on the inside surfaceof the “U” shaped bracket.
 3. The holster of claim 2, wherein the pistolgrip includes at least one channel that is located on a side surface ofthe pistol grip.
 4. The holster of claim 3, wherein the pistol gripincludes two channels that are located on both side surfaces of thepistol grip.
 5. The holster of claim 2, wherein the pistol grip includesat least one channel that is located on a top-front or lower-rearsurface of the pistol grip.
 6. The holster of claim 5, wherein thepistol grip includes two channels that are located on both the top-frontand lower-rear surfaces of the pistol grip.